Replanting forests can be beneficial for the environment and ecology. In the span of ten years, the planting has already produced positive results. Springs that were previously dry are now holding water for longer periods of time, and animals such as monkeys are moving out of the remnant forests and into the newly planted ones. Additionally, there is an increase in bird life across the planting area. This is a great sign of the success of the replanting, as bird species often serve as indicators of the health of an ecosystem.
Environmental justice: These trees not only equal money in farmers’ pockets, but the environmental benefits of trees are also significant. In addition to helping reduce atmospheric carbon levels, reforestation reduces soil erosion, improves soil and water quality, thereby impacting crop yields and nutrition, leading to better health and well-being of communities and promoting regenerative development.
Economic and social justice: The economic and social benefits of our program are also substantial. Our program can double the annual incomes of subsistence-farming families with incentive payments, a small amount per tree for each year the tree is alive, generated from the sale of carbon credits. The additional income is increasing financial independence and freedom to make choices about how families live, including, for many, making it possible for their children to complete their schooling. The program is helping to build the local economy, boost education and training, and increase social and economic participation.
Our approach is simple in its theory and application. We’re planting trees and planting ideas. Our innovation comes from the annual incentive payments made to subsistence farmers who maintain the trees, paid from the sale of carbon credits into the international carbon market. If a subsistence farmer has to choose between planting a cash crop or planting trees that may take 20 years to provide a financial return, the choice is obvious. However, if we can make a cash crop from trees that sequester carbon, the equation is quite different.
Subsistence farmers are acutely aware of the devastation caused by soil erosion, the loss of crops and the declining access to water. What is needed is education to allow them to devise good strategies for land management.
The simple premise of our program philosophy is that putting an ‘earned’ dollar in a person’s pocket gives them the power to make decisions for themselves and their family. It is moving beyond charity and aid to a sustainable livelihood that delivers respect, self-esteem and self-reliance.
To fulfil this philosophy, subsistence tree farmers are required to be paid for their effort in planting and maintaining the forest trees, from the outset of the program. This is a fundamental difference between the our program and other tree planting projects.
The model that has been established over the past 10 years sees subsistence tree farmers receiving an annual incentive payment for managing and maintaining trees on their own land. This is believed to be a key factor in the success of the program. The incentive payment can double the annual income of a subsistence farmer. This annual incentive comes for the sale of carbon credits in the international carbon market.
Annual payments for managing and maintaining trees helps communities to build local economies and grow sustainably. By boosting economic participation in subsistence communities, we can help end poverty and hunger, create employment opportunities, raise living standards and improve infrastructure.
